“We went to a hospital wing dedication today. The administrator gave us a tour, and I learned a lot about Kaldoran medicine. They have a holistic approach.”
“I would have enjoyed seeing that.” Karma sighed.
“My apologies,” Jaryk said. “I did not think to invite you. Would you care to attend some of these events?”
“Would that be all right?”
“It would be more than all right. There are far more requests for royal representation than we can fulfill.”
“She is not a royal,” Falkor said.
“She is the sister-in-law of a royal. And technically, neither is Kismet until the king deems it so.”
“Kismet is your wife!”
“And Karma is her sister—and you are being rude,” Jaryk said. He looked at Kismet. “I will inform the office of ceremonial events you are available. Initially, you can attend functions with me and Kismet, and when you feel confident, you may get some assignments of your own.”
“Great! Thank you.” She smiled happily then smirked at Falkor.
Kismet met her husband’s gaze. His eyes danced with amusement. Her lips twitched. If mediating the warfare between their siblings was the worst they faced, life would be smooth indeed.
She’d never been happier. At his invitation, she’d vacated her bedroom and moved into his. After just putting away her new wardrobe, the servants had transferred her clothing into Jaryk’s cavernous closet. She felt guilty for the double work, but they assured her it was no big deal.
She hadn’t gotten used to the royal treatment. She didn’t know if she would ever get comfortable with servants waiting on her and doing for her—wasn’t sure she wanted to get used to it.
But that didn’t impinge upon her happiness. The last two days and nights had been magical. As she’d hoped, the physical intimacy had fostered a deeper emotional closeness. She might not be a royal, but Jaryk made her feel like a princess. He was a considerate, hot lover and an attentive, doting husband. She loved going with him to events and appreciated how he solicited her opinion and listened intently to her. He seemed fascinated by her life on Earth—just as his culture enthralled her.
Her life couldn’t get any better.
Unless he loved me.
She was falling hard for him. The people obviously adored and respected him, which spoke to his character. She saw him through their eyes, and she respected him all the more. He treated her well. They had similar interests. He was handsome, easy to talk to, great in the sack. Amazingly humble.
He just hadn’t uttered the three little words. Of course, she hadn’t said them either, but she couldn’t until she knew he felt the same way. Fondness and respect weren’t the same as love.
I must be patient. Be there with him and for him and keep on keeping on.
And knock his socks off at the ball.She had her dress all picked out. The queen had offered the use of her hairdresser, so Kismet would be having her hair done by an expert. She wanted to be an irresistible vision.
“I’m looking forward to the ball,” Karma said, as if she’d tapped into Kismet’s wavelength.
“Youare?” Falkor said.
“Uh-huh. The queen sent me a formal invitation,” she replied smugly.
He looked like he’d swallowed something down the wrong pipe.
Jaryk held up his hand. “Whatever you’re going to say—don’t. The queen graciously included her, and we’re thrilled to have her attend.”
After choosing her gown, Kismet had given her twin her choice from the remainder. They wore the same size—if they often differed in fashion sense.
“You have a much better wardrobe to shop from now,” Karma had said. “I never liked any of your other clothes.”
“Don’t ruin it, okay?” Kismet had said.
She prayed their siblings would behave themselves at the ball and wouldn’t cause a scene. Jaryk had regaled her with tales of his brother’s shenanigans. His description of Falkor asimpulsive and hotheaded could be applied to her sister, too. And her sister had never been one to roll with the punches—or let a slight pass without retort.
“Why don’t we take our dessert into the library?” Jaryk suggested as dinner wound down. “There’s a new hologram game requiring four players I’ve been wanting to try.”
